Football fans sat socially distanced at Brighton v Chelsea match

Brighton and Hove Albion versus Chelsea, on Saturday 28 August 2020, was far more than just a pre-season friendly.

Brighton and Hove Albion fan holding a scarf for his team
Brighton fan using hand sanitiser outside stadium
Brighton fans queue for entry, socially distanced in car park
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Brighton and Hove Albion fan holding a scarf for his team
Brighton fan using hand sanitiser outside stadium
Brighton fans queue for entry, socially distanced in car park

For the first time since lockdown measures were introduced, fans were able to return to elite-level football, following the Government's announcement of a new batch of pilot events.

Digital display saying "please maintain social distancing"
Digital display saying "this kiosk is card payment only"
Picture of Brighton football stadium with one-way signs on floor
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Digital display saying "please maintain social distancing"
Digital display saying "this kiosk is card payment only"
Picture of Brighton football stadium with one-way signs on floor

With new safety measures in place - including face coverings which needed to be worn while moving around the stadium but were not compulsory in seats - 2500 supporters were able to watch their team play live for the first time since March.

Signs outside Brighton football ground outlining safety measures in place
Brighton fans wearing face coverings enter the ground
A security guard checks a fan while both wear PPE to stay safe
Signs outside Brighton ground saying that "no bags larger than A4 will be permitted"
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Signs outside Brighton football ground outlining safety measures in place
Brighton fans wearing face coverings enter the ground
A security guard checks a fan while both wear PPE to stay safe
Signs outside Brighton ground saying that "no bags larger than A4 will be permitted"

These pilot events are key to helping fans get back to experiencing live sport safely.

Fans sat socially distanced in the stands
Female Brighton fan wearing a team hat and holding a scarf
Interior of Brighton stadium looking across the pitch to socially distanced fans
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Fans sat socially distanced in the stands
Female Brighton fan wearing a team hat and holding a scarf
Interior of Brighton stadium looking across the pitch to socially distanced fans

More pilots will be taking place over the coming weeks as we work to get fans safely back to stadiums as soon as it is safe to do so.

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